Bill Now Headed to Governor who has Pledged to Sign Landmark Legislation

WASHINGTON - The Vermont House of Representatives today passed a final version of the "civil union" bill 79-68 that will give gay and lesbian couples the same rights and benefits afforded married couples under state law.

"This is a historic moment in our struggle for equality and a monumental leap forward for the legal recognition of our families," said HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch. "We applaud the state legislature for their courage and leadership in enacting legislation that goes further than any other state in offering fair and equal benefits to all of its citizens."

Gov. Howard Dean (D) has promised to sign the bill, perhaps by the end of the week, according to the Associated Press. The first civil union ceremonies could take place after July 1. According to the AP story, opponents made one last attempt to derail the bill before the final vote. A Republican representative proposed delaying the vote until Nov. 30, after the fall elections, but the move was defeated 84-63.

In a preliminary vote in March, the Vermont House voted in favor of a comprehensive civil union bill, and earlier this month the Vermont Senate voted in favor of a bill as well. The bill allows for gay and lesbian Americans to take part in civil unions, just as heterosexual couples can marry. Same-sex couples will be entitled to all 300 or more benefits available under state law to married couples - including medical decisions, estate inheritance, overseeing burials, transferring property and certain tax breaks. Town clerks would be authorized to give same-sex couples licenses, and clergy, justices of the peace or judges would make their unions official. Family divorce courts would handle the dissolution of civil unions.

In December 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court handed down a decision that mandated that same-sex couples must be offered the same "benefits" and "protections" that married heterosexual couples now receive. In its ruling, the court directed the Vermont Legislature to decide whether these benefits will come through traditional marriage or through a similar arrangement such as a "civil union" bill.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.